Packers: Predicting three 2022 free agents who won’t be back
Next year’s free agency might seem like a long way off but it’ll be here in no time. The Green Bay Packers could face an even more challenging offseason when it comes to their salary-cap situation.
And who knows whether Aaron Rodgers will still be on the roster by then. If he is, speculation about a trade away will likely still be there.
Taking an early look ahead to the Packers’ free agents next offseason, here are three players who might not be re-signed.
Kevin King
King was a free agent this offseason but was re-signed to an affordable one-year deal. The Packers’ decision to draft Eric Stokes in the first round shows they recognize they needed an upgrade at cornerback.
If King has another disappointing season, it’s unlikely he’ll be back. If he puts in a strong season, he may earn a big new deal elsewhere.
King will only be 27 years old next offseason, but with limited salary-cap room and a new deal likely on the way for Jaire Alexander in the near future, it would make sense to move forward with Stokes in 2022.
Lucas Patrick
Patrick was nothing short of phenomenal for the Packers last season, starting 15 games at guard and making the top 10 at his position in ESPN’s pass block win rate metric.
There’s no doubting Patrick’s talent but when you consider he’ll turn 28 next offseason and is in the prime of his career, another team could be willing to give him more money than the Packers can afford.
Not to mention that Green Bay has drafted a bunch of interior offensive linemen in recent years including Jon Runyan, who is a candidate to start this season.
Equanimeous St. Brown
St. Brown is one of the few wide receivers yet to find much success in Matt LaFleur’s offense. He missed all of the 2019 season with injury then only caught seven passes last year.
Since then, the Packers drafted Amari Rodgers in the third round, and Devin Funchess will also be available this season.
St. Brown is one of about a million Packers wide receivers hitting free agency next spring. Unless he has a big 2021 season, it could be his final year in Green Bay.